Kingdoms of Germany - Liechtenstein Francis William Maximilian Charles Posthumous Died 1759. 1699 & 1712 The principality's territory passes to the Liechtensteins when Johann Adam I of that house is allowed to purchase from the Hohenems the tiny herrschaft ('lordship' in English) of Schellenberg in 1699 and the county of Vaduz in 1712. These two purchases are vital for Johann in that they are without any feudal lord other than their comital sovereign and suzerain emperor, so enabling his house the chance of finally acquiring a seat in the Holy Roman empire's diet (parliament). The Hohenems-Vaduz house itself continues to exist without any power until the branch becomes extinct in 1766. The principality is now a possession of the House of Liechtenstein . Principality of Liechtenstein AD 1712 - Present Day Generally speaking in reference to Continental Europe, only the north and also the north-western edges have retained older forms of government. Even so, these offer all of the freedoms and liberties available to any other European, which is probably the main reason for their survival.

The principality of Liechtenstein is certainly a survivor from an age of pocket territories that emerged from the gradual decline of the Holy Roman empire, and is unusual in being located a little more centrally than most surviving hereditary states. It is fully landlocked, lying in central western Europe's Upper Rhine Valley, with Germany to the north, Austria to the east, Italy to the south, and Switzerland to the west. The principality's territory was initially part of the Roman province of Raetia. It remained an obscure and unimportant part of Austrasia and Swabia until it was formed into a small state (just 167 square kilometres or 62 square miles of mostly mountainous terrain) by the Holy Roman empire in the thirteenth century, during the collapse of East Francia . It is made up of two medieval lordships: Vaduz and Schellenberg, with the latter being a family of ancient Bohemian extraction. The territory remained a lowly county for well over three hundred years before being elevated to a principality in 1608.

Then Prince John Adam I of Liechtenstein acquired the two Hohenem family titles of Schellenberg (in 1699) and Vaduz (in 1712). His successor was granted these territories as an hereditary and sovereign principality in 1719, and the state was renamed after the new ruling house. It has so far outlived its founder by well over three hundred years. By 2008, this constitutional monarchy had a population of just 34,247 subjects, but the head of state, Prince Alois, acting as regent for Hans-Adam II, had more power than most surviving monarchs, being able to sack his government if he wished. The country was by now famous for its banks, reputedly being one of the most secretive tax havens in the world. It was also one of the richest, and had a monetary union with Switzerland.

(Additional information from Liechtenstein: A Modern History, David Beattie (2004), from Secrets of the Seven Smallest States of Europe, Thomas Eccardt (2005), and from External Links: World Bank Data Catalogue (in US English), and BBC News : Nazi Crimes Taint Liechtenstein, and BBC Country Profiles , and also The Princely House of Liechtenstein .) 1699 / 1712 John Adam I is a descendant of Prince Karl I of Liechtenstein. Karl had been raised the the rank of a prince of the empire in 1608, which position he had retained until his death in 1627. He had been succeeded, in turn by his son, Karl Eusebius I (1627-1684), and then by Karl's son Johann Adam I (1684-1712). Johann Adam completes the purchase of the lordship of Schellenberg in 1699 and the county of Vaduz in 1712, just months before his death.

John Adam I was the third prince of the House of Liechtenstein and the first to secure lands adjoining Switzerland that would become a refuge for the family following the collapse of the Austrian empire 1699 / 1712 Johann Adam I / 'Hans-Adam the Rich' Died after completing the purchase of the principality's lands. 1712 - 1718 Heir to Johann Adam who left no surviving male heir himself. 1712 - 1721 Uncle. Confirmed as Prince of Liechtenstein (1719). Died. 1719 On 23 January Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI decrees that Schellenberg and Vaduz are united as a one. The ruler of the new territory is elevated to the rank of prince of the Holy Roman empire, precisely the outcome that Hans-Adam had been working towards. 1721 - 1732 Field Marshal in the Austrian army. 1806 - 1813 The French under Napoleon Bonaparte invade the Holy Roman empire, terminating its existence. Liechtenstein becomes a member of the French-controlled Confederation of the Rhine until its dissolution in 1813.

Two years later, the Austrian -presided German Confederation performs much the same role, with the principality once again a member. 1818 Prince John I grants the principality a limited constitution in the same year that his son, Aloysius, becomes the first member of the House of Liechtenstein to set foot in the principality itself rather than governing from a distance - their main seat being at Liechtenstein Castle in Lower Austria . The principality becomes a constitutional monarchy with an elected parliament, but not until 1921. 1836 - 1858 Son. 1848 - 1852 In a year of European revolutions in 1848 ( France , Ireland , Lombardy-Ventia , and Wallachia also experience problems), and subsequent to the February Revolution in Paris, liberal tendencies begin to be felt in Liechtenstein. The population demands a liberal constitution in a petition that is addressed to the prince. In his first response, Alois II revokes various duties and feudal taxes and on 7 March 1849 he issues a series of dispositions, enabling the people to take an active part in the configuration of political life.

In 1852, after the failure of the French revolution, he revokes all of these regulations, but the final step towards a new constitution after his death in 1858 is not very far away. 1858 - 1929 Son. Remained unmarried and rather anti-social. 1866 Prussia fights the Austro-Prussian War against Austria , essentially as a decider to see which of the two powers will be dominant in Central Europe. Prussia gains the newly-created kingdom of Italy as an ally in the south and several minor German states in the north. Austria and its southern German allies are crushed in just seven weeks (giving the conflict its alternative title of the Seven Weeks' War), and Prussia is now unquestionably dominant. Austria's slow-moving forces were outpaced by Prussia's fully modern army during the Austro-Prussian War, which decided the power balance in Central Europe, as shown in this oil by Georg Bleibtreu 1868 With Austria 's defeat and the end of the German Confederation, the principality is freed from the obligation to maintain a standing army for external service.

Its army is disbanded for financial reasons, although the principality is still tied strongly to the Austrian empire. To date the principality has not resurrected any military forces. 1918 The Austro - Hungarian empire is fast failing in the last weeks of the First World War. Realising the inevitability of the break-up of the empire, on 16 October the emperor issues a manifesto to his people that, in effect, transfers the state into a federation of nationalities. He is too late. The Austrian empire soon ceases to exist and Germany now stands alone. Liechtenstein is forced to refocus its own priorities, and soon signs a customs and monetary union with Switzerland . 1929 - 1938 Brother. Died without producing an heir. 1938 - 1989 Francis Joseph / Franz Josef II First cousin twice removed. Born 1906, son of Prince Alois. 1939 - 1945 Liechtenstein's Second World War is a relatively quiet one. It remains neutral alongside its immediate neighbour, Switzerland .

However, Jewish slave labourers are alleged to work on Austrian estates that are owned by Liechtenstein's royal family during the war, according to an official report that is delivered in 2005 after four years of preparation. The same report alleges that the royal family also buys property that has been taken from Jews in Nazi-occupied Austria and Czechoslovakia , although in the latter country all of its holdings and possessions are seized by the state at the end of the war, with the same happening to its Polish holdings. But the Alpine principality is not responsible for trading in gold or other valuables that have been looted from Jews. Investigations reveal that neighbouring Switzerland sends thousands of Jewish refugees back to Nazi-occupied Europe and that Swiss companies trade with Nazi Germany . Liechtenstein takes in about four hundred refugees from Nazi-controlled Austria between 1933 and 1945 and turns back a further 165. No works of art that have been plundered by the Nazis can be traced to Liechtenstein collections. 1989 - Present Son. Born 1945. 2000 The principality's status comes under the spotlight when two international reports criticise it for lax financial controls.

The reports say that Liechtenstein's banking system has enabled gangs from Russia , Italy , and Colombia to launder money from their criminal activities. 2004 - Present Son and regent. Born 1968. 2008 When international recession takes hold, governments that are being affected by plummeting tax incomes become determined to flush out assets that have been hidden in tax havens, and Liechtenstein comes under considerable pressure to apply greater banking transparency. Stung by the criticism, the principality gradually reforms some of its laws. It reaches tax agreements with several countries - including Germany , the UK and the US - aimed at encouraging the citizens of these countries to come clean about any assets they may have in Liechtenstein's banks.

Embassy of Liechtenstein - History History The county of Vaduz is formed 1699 Prince Johann Adam Andreas purchases the domain of Schellenberg and in 1712 Elevation to the Imperial Principality of Liechtenstein 1806 Attainment of sovereignty through admission to the Rhine Confederation 1868 Abolition of the Liechtenstein military 1921 New Constitution enters into force 1923 Customs Treaty with Switzerland, in-troduction of the Swiss franc as official currency 1924 Introduction of the Swiss franc as official currency 1978 Membership in the Council of Europe 1990 Membership in the United Nations 1991 Accession to the EEA and the WTO 2002 - October Embassy established in Washington, DC 2003 New Constitution enters into force 2004 Hereditary Prince Alois appointed Representative of Reigning Prince Hans-Adam II 2006 Liechtenstein celebrates 200 years of sovereignty Liechtenstein has a rich history given its central location in Europe. Its borders have remained unchanged for nearly 300 years.

Today it stands as the last existing remnant of the Holy Roman Empire. The Principality has evolved from being a very poor agricultural society to one of the most highly industrialized countries in the world. Early History The territory occupied by the Principality of Liechtenstein has been continually inhabited by settled farming communities since the Later Stone Age (4000 – 1800 BC). By 15 BC, the area was incorporated into the Roman province of Raetia. After the decay of the Roman Empire in the 5th century, Raetia was first incorporated into Charlemagne’s Frankish empire and then from the 10th century on, was part of the Holy Roman Empire. Raetia was divided through inheritances after the 12th century and imperial immediacy was bestowed upon the sovereigns of the county of Vaduz beginning in 1396. Although endowed with few natural resources and under constant threat of flooding due to the Rhine river, Vaduz’s imperial immediacy was confirmed by successive emperors and became central to its historical importance.

Vaduz and Schellenberg The counties of Vaduz and Schellenberg (forming modern-day Liechtenstein) repeatedly changed hands between 1416 and 1613, and finally came to rest with the Counts of Hohenems. Under the rule of the Hohenems’, Vaduz and Schellenberg experienced one of their saddest chapters in history. The plague repeatedly struck the area and the witch persecutions following the 30 Years War took the lives of about 180 people. Throughout this period, the Hohenems became deeply indebted and were forced to sell the counties of Vaduz and Schellenberg to the House of Liechtenstein in 1699 and 1712 respectively. The Princes of the House of Liechtenstein had been acting as advisors to the Habsburg dynasty since the 13th century. The House of Liechtenstein held lands in Moravia, Lower Austria, and Bohemia, but all of these lands were subject to more senior feudal lords.

Although the rulers of Liechtenstein had been elevated to the rank of prince in 1608, the Princes strove to gain unmittelbare lands (subject to no other feudal rulers except the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire) in an effort to increase their power and gain a seat in the Imperial diet in Vienna. In 1699 and 1712 they became successful with the purchases of Vaduz and Schellenberg. With the purchases of the two counties, the Princes of Liechtenstein had greatly increased their power. The Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI united Vaduz and Schellenberg in 1719, and then elevated the territory to the rank of Reichsfürstentum (Imperial Principality). Liechtenstein therefore became a sovereign member of the Holy Roman Empire, and the Princes of the House of Liechtenstein could take a seat at the Imperial Diet. However, since the House of Liechtenstein’s main holdings were in Austria and Moravia, no Prince set foot in Liechtenstein until 1842.

The Rhine Confederation and the German Confederation As a result of the Napoleonic Wars, the Holy Roman Empire was under the control of French Emperor Napoleon I. When Napoleon dissolved the Holy Roman Empire and created the Rhine Confederation, Liechtenstein was released from its service to the former Emperor and gained its sovereignty through admission to the Confederation in 1806. Although greatly coveted by neighboring Bavaria, Napoleon’s influence and compromises protected Liechtenstein from its neighbor. Upon Napoleon’s defeat and the dissolution of the Rhine Confederation in 1813, Liechtenstein represented itself at the Congress of Vienna and became one of the 39 new member states of the German Confederation, thereby reconfirming its sovereignty. In order to meet its obligations under the German Confederation, Prince Johann I granted the Principality a limited constitution in 1818. Although including no guarantees of basic rights, the constitution did include provisions for a well controlled assembly that could approve of taxation requirements and make suggestions for the public well-being. Under the confederation, Liechtenstein was also compelled to maintain a military force.

The Austro-Prussian War, in which Austria mobilized the German confederation against Prussia, ended with the defeat of Austria and the dissolution of the German Confederation. This released Liechtenstein from its compulsory military force, and gave the Parliament the opportunity to refuse to fund any more military expenditures. In 1868, reigning Prince Johann II acquiesced to Parliament’s wishes and disbanded the 80 man army. The World Wars Until World War I, Liechtenstein was economically oriented toward Austria-Hungary by means of a customs treaty signed in 1852. While Liechtenstein remained neutral during World War I, it was severely affected by the economic measures levied against Austria-Hungary which led to widespread hunger and an almost full stop to industrial output. Due to general unrest after the war, a new constitution allowing for significant direct democracy was negotiated and ratified by Prince Johann II in 1921. Following the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918, Liechtenstein reoriented itself economically towards Switzerland. This relationship was stabilized by a joint customs treaty and the introduction of the Swiss franc as the official currency in 1924.

Upon Germany’s annexation of Austria in 1938, Prince Franz Joseph II became the first reigning prince to take up residence in Vaduz Castle. Along with Switzerland, Liechtenstein remained successfully neutral during World War II and greatly benefited from its customs and currency union with Switzerland. Post-World War II Economic Growth Following World War II, Liechtenstein’s economy grew around highly specialized industrial firms, while also being active in the international financial sector. Liechtenstein went from a poor agrarian country to a modern society with a diversified economy. Within a few decades, Liechtenstein could no longer provide the manpower that its economy needed. This shortage of workers meant that even to this day, Liechtenstein’s economy is partially dependent on foreign workers (mostly from Switzerland and Austria). Embassy History - Liechtenstein Home : Our country : About Liechtenstein : Information about Liechtenstein History The region now covered by the Principality of Liechtenstein was first occupied during the Neolithic Period and has been an independent state under the rule of the Princely House of Liechtenstein since 1719. In 15 BC it was captured by the Romans and became part of the province of Raetia.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the area was ruled by the Franks and grew increasingly germanised with the arrival of Alemannic migrants. The modern state was created by the Princes of Liechtenstein by purchasing the County of Vaduz (1712) and the lands of Schellenberg (1699) and merging these territories in 1719 to form the Imperial Principality. This historical division remains present today, with Oberland (south) and Unterland (north) forming the country's two electoral constituencies.

Infobox 1342 Formation of the County of Vaduz 1396 The County of Vaduz becomes subject to the Emperor's direct authority 1699 Prince Johann Adam Andreas purchases the lands of Schellenberg 1712 Prince Johann Adam Andreas purchases the County of Vaduz 1719 Liechtenstein becomes independent principality under Holy Roman Empire 1806 Sovereignty through membership of the Rhine Confederation 1815 Membership of the German Confederation 1852 Customs Treaty with Austria 1862 New constitution comes into force 1868 Abolishment of the army of Liechtenstein 1919 Abolishment of the Customs Treaty with Austria 1921 New constitution comes into force 1924 Customs Treaty with Switzerland, introduction of the Swiss franc 1938 Princely Family takes up residence in the Castle of Vaduz 1950 Member of the International Court of Justice in the Hague 1975 Member of the CSCE (today OSCE) 1978 Member of the Council of Europe 1990 160th member of the UN 1991

 Member of EFTA 1995 Accession to the European Economic Area (EEA) 1995 Accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) 1997 Establishment of the Archdiocese Vaduz 1999 300 years Unterland 2003 New constitution enters into force 2004 Hereditary Prince Alois is appointed representative of Prince Hans-Adam II 2006 200 years of sovereignty Contact History, creation of Liechtenstein – Fürstentum Liechtenstein english Creation of Liechtenstein After being ruled by various different noble families (Counts of Werdenberg, Sulz, Brandis, Hohenems), Schellenberg and Vaduz were purchased by Prince Johann Adam in 1699 and 1712 respectively.

In 1721 they were merged and raised to the status of an Imperial Principality, before becoming a sovereign state in 1806. The 19th century was marked by great poverty that resulted in many people leaving the country, mostly for the USA. The last counts to rule the area today known as Liechtenstein were the Counts of Hohenems. It was under their rule that the witch trials were held. Due to their large debts they were forced to sell the County of Vaduz and the Dominion of Schellenberg. In 1699 Prince Johann Adam purchased the Dominion of Schellenberg and in 1712 the County of Vaduz. The two territories were united via an imperial diploma issued by Emperor Karl VI on 23 January 1719, creating an Imperial Principality bearing the name Liechtenstein. As this new country only comprised small farming villages, the administrative authority was established in the nearest town, Feldkirch, where the Prince built the Palais Liechtenstein for the administrative staff. Liechtenstein's independence Over the course of history Liechtenstein has been occupied by foreign troops on several occasions.

During the War of the First Coalition (1792-1797) French soldiers entered the country; after battles between Austria (with support from Russia) and France, Liechtenstein was occupied by Napoleonic troops during the War of the Second Coalition (1799-1802). In 1806 Napoleon accepted the country as one of the founding members of the Confederation of the Rhine, thereby making Liechtenstein an independent state. This independence was confirmed at the Vienna Congress, with Liechtenstein becoming a member of the German Confederation. Liechtenstein developed slowly and remained underdeveloped for many years. The revolution in 1848 did not lead to an immediate change in the situation. It was not until the customs treaty with Austria in 1852 that economic conditions began to improve, with the 1862 constitution bringing about political change by placing for the first time restrictions on the Prince's power to rule. Liechtenstein Today - THE HISTORY OF LIECHTENSTEIN The history of Liechtenstein can be traced back to the Neolithic age. Since 800 B.C. the area was colonized by the Rhaetians.

15 B.C. it was conquered by the Romans. A roman road transversed the country from north to south. Roman villas that have been excavated in Schaanwald and Nendeln bear witness to this fact. Particularly important was the carefully researched Schaan Castle that served to protect the way across the alpine regions from any attack by the Germanic people. Christianity found its way to the province of Churrhaetia in the 4th. century, with Saint Luzius being the first to be venerated. During the mass migration people of Germanic origins made their way from the north and drove out the Romans. Years later, the area which is the Principality of Liechtenstein today belonged to the German Dukedom and was part of the country of Lower Rhaetia. Out of this emerged the two domains of Vaduz and Schellenberg. As a result of the domains were governed by four distinguished families: the Counts of Werdenberg-Vaduz, the Barons of Brandis, the Counts of Sulz and the Counts of Hohenems.

Prince Johann Adam of Liechtenstein bought the domain of Schellenberg in 1699 and the county of Vaduz in 1712. By acquiring these two counties he was striving for a seat and a vote in the government. The actual date on which the Principality of Liechtenstein was founded was January 23, 1719. On this day, Kaiser Karl VI decreed that the counties of Vaduz and Schellenberg be promoted to a principality with the name Liechtenstein for his true servant Anton Florian of Liechtenstein. Snapshot of Europe: Liechtenstein Liechtenstein Map Courtesy CIA World Factbook The Principality of Liechtenstein (German: Fürstentum Liechtenstein) is a tiny, landlocked microstate in Western Europe, bordered by Switzerland to its west and by Austria to its east. Mountainous, it is a winter sports resort, and is perhaps best-known as a tax haven. It is also the only German-speaking country which does not share a border with Germany. The modern territory of Liechtenstein formed at one time (an albeit diminuitive) part of the ancient Roman province of Raetia.

For centuries this territory, geographically removed from European strategic interests, had little impact on the tide of European history. Prior to the reign of its current dynasty, the region was enfiefed to a junior line of the House of Habsburg. The Liechtenstein dynasty, from which the Principality takes its name (rather than vice-versa), takes its name from Castle Liechtenstein in faraway Lower Austria, which the family possessed from at least 1140 to the 13th century, and from 1807 onwards. Through the centuries, the dynasty acquired vast swathes of land, predominantly in Moravia, Lower Austria and Styria, though in all cases, these territories were held in fief under other more senior feudal lords, particularly under various lines of the Habsburg family, which several of Liechtenstein princes served as close advisors. Thus, and without any territory held directly under the Imperial throne, the Liechtenstein dynasty was unable to meet a primary requirement to qualify for a seat in the Imperial diet, the Reichstag.

The family yearned for the added power which a seat in the Imperial government would garner, and therefore searched for lands to acquire which would be "unmittelbar" or held without any feudal personage other than the Emperor himself having rights on the land. After some time, the family was able to arrange the purchase of the minuscule counties of Schellenberg and Vaduz (in 1699 and 1712 respectively) from an agnatic line of the Habsburg dynasty. Tiny Schellenberg and Vaduz possessed exactly the political status required, no feudal lord other than their comital sovereign and the suzerain Emperor. Thereby, on January 23, 1719, after purchase had been duly made, Emperor Charles VI decreed the counties of Vaduz and Schellenberg raised to the dignity of principality with the name "Liechtenstein" in honor of [his] 'true servant, Anton Florian of Liechtenstein'. It is on this date that Liechtenstein became a sovereign state of the Holy Roman Empire.

Ironically, but as testament to the pure political expediency of the purchases, the Princes of Liechtenstein did not set foot in their new principality for several decades. In 1806, the Holy Roman Empire was invaded by France. This event had broad consequences for Liechtenstein: Imperial legal and political mechanisms broke down, while the Holy Roman Emperor abdicated the imperial throne. The Empire itself dissolved. As a result, Liechtenstein ceased to have any obligations to any feudal lord beyond its borders. Modern publications generally (although incorrectly) attribute Liechtenstein's 'sovereignty' to these events. In reality, its prince merely became suzerain as well as remaining sovereign lord. Until the end of World War I, Liechtenstein was closely tied to Austria. However, the economic devastation caused by that conflict forced the country to conclude a customs and monetary union with its other neighbor, Switzerland. During World War II, Liechtenstein remained neutral, while family treasures within the war zone were brought to Liechtenstein (and London) for safe keeping.

At the close of the conflict, Czechoslovakia and Poland, acting to seize "German" possessions, expropriated the entirety of the Liechtenstein dynasty's hereditary lands and possessions in Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia - the Princes of Liechtenstein lived in Vienna until 1938. The expropriations (subject to modern legal dispute at the World Court) included over 1,600 km² of agricultural and forest land, including also several family castles and palaces. It is thus little wonder that during the decades of the Cold War, citizens of Liechtenstein were forbidden by Czechoslovakia from even entering that country. In financial straits following the war, the Liechtenstein dynasty often resorted to selling family artistic treasures, including for instance Da Vinci's priceless portrait "Ginevra de Benci", which was purchased by the United States government. However, the economic condition of Liechtenstein improved rapidly. During the decades following, Liechtenstein prospered, its economy modernizing with the advantage of low corporate tax rates which drew many companies to the country.

The Prince of Liechtenstein is among the world's wealthiest heads of state, with an estimated wealth of 2 billion dollars. The country's population enjoys one of the world's highest standards of living. Liechtenstein LIECHTENSTEIN ~ conventional long form: Principality of Liechtenstein ~ conventional short form: Liechtenstein ~ local long form: Fuerstentum Liechtenstein ~ local short form: Liechtenstein Highest point: Grauspitz 2,599 m Population: 33,717 Religions: Roman Catholic 76.2%, Protestant 7%, unknown 10.6%, other 6.2% Government type: hereditary constitutional monarchy on a democratic and parliamentary basis Capital: Vaduz Currency (code): Swiss franc (CHF) Vehicle Country Id-Code: FL ï¿½ Liechtenstein is the fourth smallest country in Europe and its population comprises mainly of German, Austrian and Swiss. Though most people speak in Alemannic, which is a highly divergent dialect of German, the official language of this tiny nation is German. Liechtenstein is surrounded by River Rhine in the west and Alps in the other side.

Though Liechtenstein is a tiny nation and have limited natural resources, in recent times it has become a well organised industrialised, free-enterprise economy. Through out its history it avoided direct combat with other nations of Europe due to its strategic location. Liechtenstein is one of those countries whose landscapes are ideal for winter sports. This picturesque country enjoys continental climate where winter is usually cold and summers are warm cosy. Geography With panoramic natural scenes all around, Liechtenstein is a country occupying a smaller geographical area in the Upper Rhine valley of the European Alps. Instead of sharing its border with Germany, this country has River Rhine as the western boundary. The eastern side of Liechtenstein is featured by the Grauspitz, highest peak reaching 2,599 m. Climate Best suited for winter sports during the winter, Liechtenstein has a alpine location with southerly winds making the climate of Liechtenstein rather mild. Liechtenstein enjoys continental climate with chilly winter’s accompanied by frequent raining and snowfall. Summer hails in this small landlocked country with warm and humid conditions. Waterproofs are required throughout the year. History Liechtenstein’ history is colorful as well as eventful.

Legends about its being a part of the Roman province of Raetia during the ancient times are abundant. It is also said that the country derived its name from the the Castle Liechtenstein, which is nestled in the distant land of Lower Austria. The dynasty of Liechtenstein had control over the expanded lands of Moravia, Lower Austria and Styria. Senior feudal lords, belonging to the lineage of the Habsburg family, ruled thse lands with the fiefs. After making requests for power equivalent to that of an Imperial government, the Habsburg family bought the minuscule counties of Schellenberg and Vaduz (in 1699 and 1712) from an agnatic line of the Habsburg dynasty. The principality with the name "Liechtenstein" was created on January 23rd, 1719, by uniting the county of Vaduz with the barony of Schellenburg. On the same date Liechtenstein became a sovereign state of the Holy Roman Empire.

However, in accordance with the testament to the pure political expediency of the purchases, the Princes of Liechtenstein rarely visited their country but were active in the service of the Hapsburg monarchy. Liechtenstein acquired a ' disputed sovereignty' following the attack on Holy Roman Empire by France in 1806. This translated into the fact that the country was liberated from any obligations to any feudal lord beyond its borders. Liechtenstein became independent formally in 1866, after having been a member of the German Confederation from 1815 to 1866. During the 19th and 20th cent, Liechtenstein was bereft of any major political upheavals, except the World Wars. Though it remained neutral, the conlicts of first World War wreaked havoc for Liechtenstein’s economy. The country united with Switzerland in a Customs Union and was represented by Switzerland abroad. After World War II, Liechtenstein became increasingly valuable as a financial center, and the nation became more prosperous. In 1989, Prince Hans Adam II succeeded his father to the throne, and in 1996 settled a long-running dispute with Russia.

Liechtenstein joined the UN in 1990, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) in 1991, and both the European Economic Area (EEA) and the World Trade Organization in 1995. Economy In spite of struggling with limited resources, this small country has made significant developement in terms of economy within a short period of time and has made a niche for it as a well developed, industrialised and free-enterprise economy. This country features the maximum tax rate to up to 18 percent along with convenient Rules of Incorporation. As a result more than 70,000 holding companies have landed their nominal offices here in Liechtenstein, contributing a lion share in the total revene generation of the company. The import rates of the country are also on the rise with a staggering 90% (its energy requirements). Politics Still continuing with the “one-man“ style of rule, Liechtenstein is a constitutional monarchy and is headed by its ruling prince or Furst. During an expanded time frame of 59 years from 1938 to 1997, Liechtenstein had a coalition government with two major parties in the parliament.

The cabinet now includes 5 members in charge of the day-to-day political chores along with 25 reprsentatives to be selected by the citizens through vote. Princely House, head of state, prince, prince Hans-Adam – Fürstentum Liechtenstein english Princely House (head of state) The Princes of Liechtenstein originally hailed from Lower Austria. In 1699 and 1712 they purchased the County of Vaduz and the Dominion of Schellenberg. These two areas were then merged via Imperial Diploma on 23 January 1719 to create the Principality of Liechtenstein. Prince Franz Josef II (1906-1989) became the first Prince to have his official place of residence in Liechtenstein when he moved to Vaduz in 1938. The Princely House of Liechtenstein is among the world's oldest noble families. The first recorded mention of the name "Liechtenstein" dates back to 1136 and Hugo von Liechtenstein, who adopted the it from Liechtenstein Castle to the south of Vienna.

It was around this castle and near the north-eastern border of Lower Austria that the family owned several areas of land. The unbroken family line begins with Heinrich I von Liechtenstein (died 1265/66), who obtained lordship over Nikolsburg in South Moravia as free property. This was of significant political importance as it gave the Liechtenstein family substantial land ownership within the territory of the Wenzel Crown. Early history The true importance of this land was then shown in 1394 when Johann I von Liechtenstein, who for 30 years had been in charge of government affairs at the court of the Habsburg Duke Albrecht III, became a victim of the Habsburgs' thirst for power and fell out of favour. He and his family were forced to hand over parts of the land belonging to them, especialy those south of the Danube. In the decades that followed the family attempted to secure its power in Lower Austria by purchasing further areas of land, particularly in South Moravia. In the 13th century the family divided into three lines: Liechtenstein, Rohrauer and Petroneller.

However, the Rohrauer and Petroneller lines died out just one generation later, meaning that much of the family's valuable property was lost. In the early 16th century the family divided once again: the 1504 family treaty resulted in the Steyregger, Feldsberger and Nikolsburger lines. Only the Feldsberger line survived. However, this time well-thought-out family laws meant that the property belonging to the Steyregger and Nikolsburger lines passed to the surviving Feldsberger line. The Princes in the 16th and 17th century At the turn of the 16th to the 17th century the three brothers Karl, Maximilian and Gundaker initiated a new period in the history of the family. They converted to Catholicism. Karl received the Great Count Palatinate in 1606 and the rank of Hereditary Prince in 1608. His brothers were raised to the status of hereditary princes in 1623. Together, Karl, Maximilian and Gundaker succeeded in significantly increasing the family's land and property.

In 1606 they concluded a new family contract stipulating, among other things, that the first-born son would receive all hereditary titles and represent the family as regent. The provisions of this contract form the basis of the 1993 House Law that determines succession to the throne in Liechtenstein. During the critical period at the start of the 17th century, the Liechtenstein House sided with the Habsburgs. Karl and Maximilian's intervention contributed to achieving the decisive victory over the Bohemian rebels in 1620. Purchase of Schellenberg and Vaduz From the time of the attainment of the title Imperial Prince, the Liechtenstein family strove to acquire land with imperial immediacy. However, it was almost a century before Karl's grandson, Prince Johann Adam I (1657-1712), purchased the territories of Schellenberg and Vaduz in 1699 and 1712. With a diploma dated 23 January 1719, these were raised to the rank of Imperial Principality of Liechtenstein.

After the male line of Prince Karl I became extinct in 1712, Anton Florian, a decendant of Gundaker, became the Ruling Prince. Whereas in the 18th century the country was of rather peripheral interest  at that time the family was still residing in Feldsberg (today the Czech Republic) and Vienna  it occupied an increasingly central position following its attainhment of sovereignty in 1806 and in the 20th century it became the residence of the Ruling Princes. Prince Franz Josef II (1906-1989) moved his permanent residence to Vaduz in 1938. All of the members of the family living at the present time descend from Prince Johannes I (1760-1836). The Princely House today The current head of state, Prince Hans-Adam II, is the 15th Prince of the House of Liechtenstein. He was born in 1945 and is the first Reigning Prince to have grown up in the Principality.

Shortly after becoming Prince, he announced his intention to follow the example of his father Prince Franz Josef II (19061989) and entrust his sovereign powers as head of state to the Hereditary Prince. This was carried out on National Day in 2004. In order to prepare him for his future position as Prince, Hans-Adam II named His Serene Highness Hereditary Prince Alois as his Representative and passed all sovereign powers to him. Today, Hans-Adam II is still the Prince, but it is his son Hereditary Prince Alois who is reponsible for performing the tasks of head of state. One Princely House  three generations On 13 November 2014 Liechtenstein celebrated the 25th anniversary of Prince Hans Adam II taking the throne. To mark the 25th anniversary of H.S.H. Prince Hans Adam II succeeding to the throne and the 10th anniversary of H.S.H. Hereditary Prince Alois being installed as his representative, an interview was carried out with the three generations of the Princely Family  Reigning Prince Hans Adam, Hereditary Prince Alois and 19-year-old Prince Wenzel.

Read the interview Europe Missions :: Liechtenstein Liechtenstein History The country of Liechtenstein was officially formed in 1719, when the counties of Vaduz and Schellenberg consolidated under the house of Liechtenstein. Over the next two centuries, Liechtenstein allied itself with the powerful Habsburg monarchy in Austria. After World War I, the Habsburg monarchy was abolished and Liechtenstein formed a connection with Switzerland that continues today. Prince Franz Joseph II became the sovereign ruler of Liechtenstein in 1938. His son, Hans Adam II succeeded him in 1989. Today, two political parties share governing rights in Liechtenstein, even though Switzerland has diplomatically represented it since 1919. Foreign workers comprise nearly one third of the population. Religion Roman Catholics make up about 80 percent of the population, while Protestants comprise only about seven percent. Unfortunately, the Assemblies of God has no presence in Liechtenstein. Additional Facts About Liechtenstein Languages: German (official) and Alemmanic dialect Agriculture: Grains, corn and potatoes Industry: Precision instruments, electronics, textiles and ceramics

Question: Which country was created from the counties of Schellenberg and Vaduz in 1699?
Answer: LIECHTENSTEIN